The Walther lab in the Chemistry Department at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is seeking an ambitious Lab Manager/Senior Scientist/Akademischer Rat to join our team. Our lab develops in an internationally highly competitive position new hierarchical self-assembly concepts inside and outside equilibrium, and connects those to soft (bio)macromolecular materials research. Our international and interdisciplinary team investigates such systems based on classical polymers, polymer colloids, as well as on DNA nanoscience approaches. We have top level facilities available (including our own DNA Lab and cell lab in addition to chemistry and analytical labs) that were generously supported by the JGU Mainz and a Gutenberg Research Professorship for Prof. Andreas Walther. More information on our research and team can be found here: www.walther-group.com

 

The main responsibilities for this position are high-level assistance to Prof. Andreas Walther, lab management, as well as the technical development and administrative support of a newly purchased super-resolution microscopy in the field of soft matter. The development of an individual research program on optical super resolution microscopy of soft matter (ideally DNA Nanoscience) can be supported, and we will incorporate the candidate within suitable research agendas. We will provide the successful candidate with an enriching scientific environment, support for development in administrative and scientific tasks, as well as with support for general personal development as required and desired. 

 

Main Administrative tasks include:

• Management of research grants in financial and reporting aspects

• General lab management with respect to selected infrastructure, safety aspects and general organization 

• Administration of the super resolution microscope

 

Main Research/Teaching tasks

• Support to Prof. Walther in developing the lab’s research agenda and in grant writing

• Technical development of super resolution microscopy of soft matter (sufficient time and training for the individual development will be provided for candidates without a background in this area)

• Supervision and training of researchers in super resolution microscopy

• Development of an individual research program on super resolution microscopy of soft matter (ideally in the realm of DNA Nanoscience; if desired by the applicant)

• Support in teaching to Prof. Walther in the fields of polymer science and/or organic chemistry

 

Desired qualifications and skills:

• PhD in soft matter/chemistry, preferably with a focus on optical microscopy or even super resolution microscopy techniques, or DNA Nanoscience, or cell/material interactions.

• Interest in basic science and curiosity-driven research

• Good communication and collaboration skills, preferably also in German

• Excellent writing skills in English

• A social, responsible and proactive personality

• Solution-oriented problem-solving skills

• Ability to work independently

• Reasonable availability also outside of classical office hours in times of intense work loads

 

Start date: 1.3.2022 (some flexibility)

Salary scale: E13 TV-L

Time requirement: Fulltime

Deadline for applications: 31.12.2021

 

The contract will be limited initially to three years, but a permanent position as Akademischer Rat is available. 

We love science, team work and a good lab spirit, and will provide you with an attractive, engaging, open-minded and friendly work atmosphere. 

We allow the time to develop in both administrative as well as research/teaching task aspects. 

Your personality matters to us. 

Join us for an interesting career!

 

Interested candidates are asked to e-mail a focused cover letter with your interests and expectations, CV, list of publications, writing sample (e.g. a publication or chapters of the PhD thesis) and contact information for two references in a SINGLE PDF file to Prof. Andreas Walther at andreas.walther@uni-mainz.de and rwidera@uni-mainz.de using “Lab Manager” as subject.